Latest reviews for Food & Drink in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Valvona & Crolla - An Edinburgh Legend by bigairch

bigairch — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:06:41 +0000

Review by bigairch

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 556 6066

Website: http://www.valvonacrolla.co.uk

Tags: delicatessen, mediterranean, rare finds

I love Italian food, I have done all my life which means that Valvona & Crolla is like a ethereal plain for me. I wander in through the worlds least assuming shop front (apparently they reduced the window space & installed steel shutters during the second world war to stop windows being beaten in, I would dare to suggest that the threat has gone, so maybe it is time to let a bit more light in) & I am transported to all that is good about Italy. They love food, wine, coffee & living well. All these elements are well served here. The cheese counter is great & has the best parmesan I've found in Scotland. The meats are fantastic & will wonders never cease, well sliced. The coffee is excellent (though I prefer new boys, Artisan Roasters, two streets over) they do sandwiches, hard to find things like duck eggs & all kinds of Italian goodies. Their pasta selection is huge, as is their Italian wine section. They make all their own bread, pastries & cakes (all of which are awesome). The staff seem to change a lot, but those that stick around really know their stuff. Having read a couple of other reviews I will admit that none of this is cheap, but frankly how could it be? The place is stowed out with thousands of products, almost all top rate. It's unfair to compare it to supermarkets in Italy, just shipping the stuff over here must cost a fortune, compare it for price or quality against anything in the UK and it will come up trumps. If you know exactly what you are looking for, go shop on the internet, the same is true of almost any product. If all you care about is price, trot off to Lidl. If you want to worship in a cathedral of food, go visit V&C.I love Italian food, I have done all my life which means that Valvona & Crolla is like a ethereal plain for me. I wander in through the worlds least assuming shop front (apparently they reduced the window space & installed steel shutters during the second world war to stop windows being beaten in, I would dare to suggest that the threat has gone, so maybe it is time to let a bit more light in) & I am transported to all that is good about Italy. They love food, wine, coffee & living well. All these elements are well served here. The cheese counter is great & has the best parmesan I've found in Scotland. The meats are fantastic & will wonders never cease, well sliced. The coffee is excellent (though I prefer new boys, Artisan Roasters, two streets over) they do sandwiches, hard to find things like duck eggs & all kinds of Italian goodies. Their pasta selection is huge, as is their Italian wine section. They make all their own bread, pastries & cakes (all of which are awesome). The staff seem to change a lot, but those that stick around really know their stuff. Having read a couple of other reviews I will admit that none of this is cheap, but frankly how could it be? The place is stowed out with thousands of products, almost all top rate. It's unfair to compare it to supermarkets in Italy, just shipping the stuff over here must cost a fortune, compare it for price or quality against anything in the UK and it will come up trumps. If you know exactly what you are looking for, go shop on the internet, the same is true of almost any product. If all you care about is price, trot off to Lidl. If you want to worship in a cathedral of food, go visit V&C.

I J Mellis Cheessmonger - Shops like this just don't exist anymore! by bigairch

bigairch — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:44:59 +0000

Review by bigairch

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 226 6215

Website: http://www.ijmellischeesemonger.com

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds

In an era where specialist shops are struggling to compete, it is great to see such a niche item as fine cheese doing so well (3 shops in Edinburgh, as well as shops in Glasgow, St Andrews & Aberdeen). IJ Mellis Cheesemonger is an Aladdin's cave of amazing cheeses. This tiny little shop seems to be in permanent danger of collapsing under the weight of cheese. The whole place is temperature & humidity controlled which lets them just stack huge piles of cheese on their counters, many of which you may not have encountered before unless you are a real cheese buff. The staff are generally really helpful & practically insist that you try before you buy. The bigger branches in Edinburgh have salami & bacon etc, but my heart belongs to this original, tiny store. Definitely the best place to buy British cheese in Scotland (Valvona & Crolla has a better selection of continental stuff) you won't be disappointed with any cheeseboard they put together for you.In an era where specialist shops are struggling to compete, it is great to see such a niche item as fine cheese doing so well (3 shops in Edinburgh, as well as shops in Glasgow, St Andrews & Aberdeen). IJ Mellis Cheesemonger is an Aladdin's cave of amazing cheeses. This tiny little shop seems to be in permanent danger of collapsing under the weight of cheese. The whole place is temperature & humidity controlled which lets them just stack huge piles of cheese on their counters, many of which you may not have encountered before unless you are a real cheese buff. The staff are generally really helpful & practically insist that you try before you buy. The bigger branches in Edinburgh have salami & bacon etc, but my heart belongs to this original, tiny store. Definitely the best place to buy British cheese in Scotland (Valvona & Crolla has a better selection of continental stuff) you won't be disappointed with any cheeseboard they put together for you.

Lupe Pintos - Hot Stuff by liam_mackenzie

liam_mackenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:28:37 +0000

Review by liam_mackenzie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 228 6241

Website: http://www.lupepintos.com

Tags: delicatessen, bargain, rare finds

Excellent wee local deli in tolcross with a second store in Glasgow. It really sets the scene with dried chillis hanging from the ceiling and loads and loads of Spanish, American and mexican food with dried chillis galore, every hot sauce you can imagine and plenty of jars of things you've never seen before with spanish labels.
Very helpfull staff and a great place to stock up on unusual itms before cooking. The smoked black pudding is particularly tasty and goes well in a chilli. The main downside is that its very easy to get carried away and sped far too much here and it's just a shame they don't stock the mild banana peppers anymore. mmm!Excellent wee local deli in tolcross with a second store in Glasgow. It really sets the scene with dried chillis hanging from the ceiling and loads and loads of Spanish, American and mexican food with dried chillis galore, every hot sauce you can imagine and plenty of jars of things you've never seen before with spanish labels.
Very helpfull staff and a great place to stock up on unusual itms before cooking. The smoked black pudding is particularly tasty and goes well in a chilli. The main downside is that its very easy to get carried away and sped far too much here and it's just a shame they don't stock the mild banana peppers anymore. mmm!

Canton Chinese - brilliant by liam_mackenzie

liam_mackenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:19:49 +0000

Review by liam_mackenzie

Rating: 5.00

Tags: bargain

This is a wee gem of a takeaway. It's nothing fancy to look at without a restaurant with only a couple of stools to perch on if you want to eat in but the staff are very friendly and the food is delicious. In around 10 years of using this place I've never had a bad meal which is pretty good going by anyones standards.The food covers all the usual chinese fare and while not being different to most other menus there's more than enough choice to suit most groups. The prices are very reasonable and it's in a great location just where west port meets the grassmarket. The only downside is that it doesn't deliver but hey the exercise of walking is good for you.This is a wee gem of a takeaway. It's nothing fancy to look at without a restaurant with only a couple of stools to perch on if you want to eat in but the staff are very friendly and the food is delicious. In around 10 years of using this place I've never had a bad meal which is pretty good going by anyones standards.The food covers all the usual chinese fare and while not being different to most other menus there's more than enough choice to suit most groups. The prices are very reasonable and it's in a great location just where west port meets the grassmarket. The only downside is that it doesn't deliver but hey the exercise of walking is good for you.

The Baked Potato Shop - Great value vegetarian baked tattie shop by FrodoBaggins

FrodoBaggins — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:25:25 +0000

Review by FrodoBaggins

Rating: 4.00

Tags: healthy food, bargain

The Baked Potato Shop is another long running Edinburgh institution that has stood the test of time. Its a tiny shop with a tinier table for two or three to squeeze around and eat their excellent value baked tatties with a goodly selection of vegetarian and vegan fillings and salads. They also do filled pitta pockets that are equally scrumptious as well as some lovely home made cakes, a soup and a selection of drinks. Its all excellent value for money and great for anyone on a budget. This is also an excellent place to see the latest club and gig posters on its walls as well as listen to the staff's non-mainstream selection of music!The Baked Potato Shop is another long running Edinburgh institution that has stood the test of time. Its a tiny shop with a tinier table for two or three to squeeze around and eat their excellent value baked tatties with a goodly selection of vegetarian and vegan fillings and salads. They also do filled pitta pockets that are equally scrumptious as well as some lovely home made cakes, a soup and a selection of drinks. Its all excellent value for money and great for anyone on a budget. This is also an excellent place to see the latest club and gig posters on its walls as well as listen to the staff's non-mainstream selection of music!

Scotmid - Scotmid by Shamblesbaby

Shamblesbaby — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:49:04 +0000

Review by Shamblesbaby

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 332 9791

Website: http://www.scotmid.com

Tags: newspapers / magazines

This shop has come in handy many a time for me as it is usually open 24 hours, i think during the week it may close early (i think about 1pm) It sells everything from fruit and vegetables to alcohol, cigerettes, magazines/newspapers and scratchcards. It also sells scottish power cards which can be handy if you unexpectantly and run out late at night. The shop is quite small more of a convenience store rather than a supermarket but has a good variety of things, and also has some nice offers. My one complaint is that the staff seem a little quiet and not overly friendly, i have only really ever used this shop late at night so i don't know if it is the same during the day, so that is why i have given it 4 stars instead of 5.This shop has come in handy many a time for me as it is usually open 24 hours, i think during the week it may close early (i think about 1pm) It sells everything from fruit and vegetables to alcohol, cigerettes, magazines/newspapers and scratchcards. It also sells scottish power cards which can be handy if you unexpectantly and run out late at night. The shop is quite small more of a convenience store rather than a supermarket but has a good variety of things, and also has some nice offers. My one complaint is that the staff seem a little quiet and not overly friendly, i have only really ever used this shop late at night so i don't know if it is the same during the day, so that is why i have given it 4 stars instead of 5.

Tesco - Tesco by Shamblesbaby

Shamblesbaby — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:24:01 +0000

Review by Shamblesbaby

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 456 8400

Website: http://www.tesco.com

Tags: delivery service, mobile top-up cards, newspapers / magazines

Tescos is my favourite supermarket, i usally shop in Tescos at corstorphine but have used the one at broughton a few times. It has always a pleasant experience. The store is quite big and has a great variety of groceries as you would expect. They also sell flowers, magazines, cigerettes and national lottery kiosk. It is always clean and bright. The staff have always friendly, helful and polite. There are many checkouts and i have never had to queue for long. There is also self scan checkouts, which gives you the choice of putting your shopping through yourself. Although i wouldn't recommend this, to be blunt these are more hassle than they worth, and it is so much easier to go to a cashier. The prices are quite reasonable, of course they have value range and also a tesco finest range which is a lot more expensive. There is plenty parking space available. My one disapointment is that they dont seem to have as many offers or as good as offers in other supermarkets But all in all A great supermarket to get everything under one roof.Tescos is my favourite supermarket, i usally shop in Tescos at corstorphine but have used the one at broughton a few times. It has always a pleasant experience. The store is quite big and has a great variety of groceries as you would expect. They also sell flowers, magazines, cigerettes and national lottery kiosk. It is always clean and bright. The staff have always friendly, helful and polite. There are many checkouts and i have never had to queue for long. There is also self scan checkouts, which gives you the choice of putting your shopping through yourself. Although i wouldn't recommend this, to be blunt these are more hassle than they worth, and it is so much easier to go to a cashier. The prices are quite reasonable, of course they have value range and also a tesco finest range which is a lot more expensive. There is plenty parking space available. My one disapointment is that they dont seem to have as many offers or as good as offers in other supermarkets But all in all A great supermarket to get everything under one roof.

Chinese Supermarket - Not to shabby by arainn123

arainn123 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:52:39 +0000

Review by arainn123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 477 2534

Tags: chinese, supermarket, asian

The Chinese Supermarket isn't that big but what it lacks in size it makes up for in variety. The amount of diffrent foods and drinks there is of alright size and the chinese food you can buy there is delicious.

I would definatly recommend going there next time your nearby.The Chinese Supermarket isn't that big but what it lacks in size it makes up for in variety. The amount of diffrent foods and drinks there is of alright size and the chinese food you can buy there is delicious.

I would definatly recommend going there next time your nearby.

Morrisons - A huge variety by arainn123

arainn123 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:49:21 +0000

Review by arainn123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 317 1197

Website: http://www.morrisons.co.uk

Tags: mediterranean, second hand, delicatessen

Morrisons offers a huge variety of food and drink, household supplies, Garden furniture, Bathroom utensils, Bathroom products and lots more. They such a huge variety and at low prices to. They have helpful staff so if you need help don't be afraid to ask. Some of their products are hard to find anywhere else so i am sure anybody will be happy with morrison so go to morrison's and spend spend spend.Morrisons offers a huge variety of food and drink, household supplies, Garden furniture, Bathroom utensils, Bathroom products and lots more. They such a huge variety and at low prices to. They have helpful staff so if you need help don't be afraid to ask. Some of their products are hard to find anywhere else so i am sure anybody will be happy with morrison so go to morrison's and spend spend spend.

Greggs - Greggs by arainn123

arainn123 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:52:06 +0000

Review by arainn123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 558 8183

Website: http://www.greggs.co.uk

Tags: delicatessen, healthy food, patisserie

I regularly go here as it is a very good place to get food on the go. They have a wide variety of food and drinks on offer. They have alot of healthy food to and in some places you can get soup which is good for a cold day it will warm you right up. The first thing you will notice is the heavenly smell when you walk in my mouth has a habit of watering.

The are affordable too. So if you are on the go and pass a nearby greggs you should really take a look inside and breath in the delicous aroma.I regularly go here as it is a very good place to get food on the go. They have a wide variety of food and drinks on offer. They have alot of healthy food to and in some places you can get soup which is good for a cold day it will warm you right up. The first thing you will notice is the heavenly smell when you walk in my mouth has a habit of watering.

The are affordable too. So if you are on the go and pass a nearby greggs you should really take a look inside and breath in the delicous aroma.

Mr T - Great for Pizzas and kebabs by Shamblesbaby

Shamblesbaby — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:12:34 +0000

Review by Shamblesbaby

Rating: 4.00If i ever fancy a kebab this is the place to go. They do an amazing chicken kebab, which is served with pitta, salad, chili sauce and salad dressing. The chicken has been marinated and is cooked on a scure with peppers and onions, It is delicious. They do a wide variety of kebabs incuding doner (which is also very good and sheesh. The pizzas are great too, they are freshly made and they also have a generous amount of toppings. They also make fresh burgers on the griddle which are better than any mcdonalds. They deliver quickly and are reasonably priced and The food always arrives hot. The only bad thing i can say about Mr T's is that the chip shop food isnt always great, if you catch them when the food is fresh it is really nice especialy the chips, but sometimes you can get chips which seem to have been lying for a bit and seem really greasy, i do not eat alot of fried food from here, but highly recommend the burgers, kebabs and pizzas.If i ever fancy a kebab this is the place to go. They do an amazing chicken kebab, which is served with pitta, salad, chili sauce and salad dressing. The chicken has been marinated and is cooked on a scure with peppers and onions, It is delicious. They do a wide variety of kebabs incuding doner (which is also very good and sheesh. The pizzas are great too, they are freshly made and they also have a generous amount of toppings. They also make fresh burgers on the griddle which are better than any mcdonalds. They deliver quickly and are reasonably priced and The food always arrives hot. The only bad thing i can say about Mr T's is that the chip shop food isnt always great, if you catch them when the food is fresh it is really nice especialy the chips, but sometimes you can get chips which seem to have been lying for a bit and seem really greasy, i do not eat alot of fried food from here, but highly recommend the burgers, kebabs and pizzas.

Harry Ramsdens - Best fish and chips around by kels450

kels450 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:24:34 +0000

Review by kels450

Rating: 5.00Harry Ramsden's has a very good repuation for producing delicious fish and chips, and the branch in Edinburgh does not let it down. Actually, I'm not sure if "branch" is the right word for it - it is more just a takeaway stand in the food court of Princes Mall, and is alongside other outfits such as KFC and sandwich places. There is a communal seating area for all these places though, so you do get the dining experience. The fish and chips here is absolutely delicious - the batter on the fish is light, crispy, and done to perfection. The fish itself is quite large and good value for money. The chips are also done to perfection and I personally have yet to taste better fish and chips than those produced by Harry Ramsden's. It is a shame it does not have its own restaurant in Edinburgh where you can go to for the full restaurant experience, but this is a very good substitute. It is also very well situated, next to the train station and across the road from Princes Street shopping area. This also makes it only a five minute walk from the Royal Mile and all the main tourist attractions.Harry Ramsden's has a very good repuation for producing delicious fish and chips, and the branch in Edinburgh does not let it down. Actually, I'm not sure if "branch" is the right word for it - it is more just a takeaway stand in the food court of Princes Mall, and is alongside other outfits such as KFC and sandwich places. There is a communal seating area for all these places though, so you do get the dining experience. The fish and chips here is absolutely delicious - the batter on the fish is light, crispy, and done to perfection. The fish itself is quite large and good value for money. The chips are also done to perfection and I personally have yet to taste better fish and chips than those produced by Harry Ramsden's. It is a shame it does not have its own restaurant in Edinburgh where you can go to for the full restaurant experience, but this is a very good substitute. It is also very well situated, next to the train station and across the road from Princes Street shopping area. This also makes it only a five minute walk from the Royal Mile and all the main tourist attractions.

Peckham's - Restaurant! by axlsbabe

axlsbabe — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:31:14 +0000

Review by axlsbabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 668 3737

Website: http://www.peckhams.co.uk

Peckhams have branched out and also have a downstairs restaurant now. They serve excellent breakfasts, lunches and dinners - have shamingly sampled all three, and have a good range for all tastes - including veggie. Staff are always polite and friendly, but menu - unless they have already done so, could do with a freshen up.Peckhams have branched out and also have a downstairs restaurant now. They serve excellent breakfasts, lunches and dinners - have shamingly sampled all three, and have a good range for all tastes - including veggie. Staff are always polite and friendly, but menu - unless they have already done so, could do with a freshen up.

Bismillah Food Store - Bismillah Food Store by marcosecchi

marcosecchi — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:44:24 +0000

Review by marcosecchi

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 662 4308

Tags: mediterranean, rare finds

Great place for halal food and meats. My favourite place when I am in Edinburgh. Great place for halal food and meats. My favourite place when I am in Edinburgh.

Xander's - Don't go there! by karenlsinging

karenlsinging — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:09:54 +0000

Review by karenlsinging

Rating: 1.00
70p for a buttered scone this morning (36p at a nearby grocer shop who does takeaway rolls) and it was the most disgusting, overpriced, burnt, stale scone I ever tasted.

Pricey takeaway in a street full of much better takeaways.

I'd give it NO stars if I could but I had to rate it using the stars on this site.
70p for a buttered scone this morning (36p at a nearby grocer shop who does takeaway rolls) and it was the most disgusting, overpriced, burnt, stale scone I ever tasted.

Pricey takeaway in a street full of much better takeaways.

I'd give it NO stars if I could but I had to rate it using the stars on this site.

Falko: Konditormeister - Legendary German Bakery by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:23:24 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 656 0763

Website: http://www.foodwithlust.com/

Tags: bakery, german, patisserie

Ok, so this is a slightly strange review because I confess I have never visited Falko's Bakery/ Patisserie. Strange, right? Well, not really because I have eaten their bread and this is a legend in its own right. My trusted sources tell me this is the best bread in Edinburgh and don't even get them started on the cakes.

The owner, by name of Falko, is by all measures passionate about what they do. In fact the name Falko Konditormeister actually means "Master of Confectionary". Falko brings a whole load of German master-craftsmanship to his baking and patisserie establishment.

Most of the food is apprently take-away and there are a few tables to sit and anjoy the atmosphere in the shop itself.

I just took a look at the website which oozes Falko's passion, so when I visit Edinburgh next I will be absolutely sure to pay him a visit. In the meantime I have half a loaf of his delicious bread to savour, brought by some evangelical guests.

One small caveat, don't think that this perfectionism comes cheap, it doesn't. Apparently there is a loaf of bread for nearly five pounds on sale in Falko's....! I'd like to see that one as that sounds like the most expensive loaf of bread I have ever heard of.Ok, so this is a slightly strange review because I confess I have never visited Falko's Bakery/ Patisserie. Strange, right? Well, not really because I have eaten their bread and this is a legend in its own right. My trusted sources tell me this is the best bread in Edinburgh and don't even get them started on the cakes.

The owner, by name of Falko, is by all measures passionate about what they do. In fact the name Falko Konditormeister actually means "Master of Confectionary". Falko brings a whole load of German master-craftsmanship to his baking and patisserie establishment.

Most of the food is apprently take-away and there are a few tables to sit and anjoy the atmosphere in the shop itself.

I just took a look at the website which oozes Falko's passion, so when I visit Edinburgh next I will be absolutely sure to pay him a visit. In the meantime I have half a loaf of his delicious bread to savour, brought by some evangelical guests.

One small caveat, don't think that this perfectionism comes cheap, it doesn't. Apparently there is a loaf of bread for nearly five pounds on sale in Falko's....! I'd like to see that one as that sounds like the most expensive loaf of bread I have ever heard of.

Artisan Roast - great coffee at artisan roast by gourmande

gourmande — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:06:15 +0000

Review by gourmande

Rating: 5.00

Tags: rare finds, bargain, healthy food

Artisan Roast is the ticket! Great coffee has finally arrived in Edinburgh and made this city a better place. Why did it take so long for good, freshly roasted coffee to get here? Artisan Roast is the ticket! Great coffee has finally arrived in Edinburgh and made this city a better place. Why did it take so long for good, freshly roasted coffee to get here?

Coco - A chocolaty education by christianjw

christianjw — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:05:20 +0000

Review by christianjw

Rating: 3.00

Website: http://www.cocochocolate.co.uk/

Tags: gourmet, chocolate, delicatessen

It's not often you get to taste and sample and learn about chocolate just yards from where it's made, but that's exactly what you get to do at Bruntsfield's Chocolatière Coco during their evening tasting sessions. It's a chance to really find out what a chocolate snob should look for; realise that much of the chocolate you've eaten in the past is probably just a cheap compromise and appreciate why the good stuff can be so expensive.

For four years the shop has been importing, designing and making its own chocolates and now it offers an informative forty minute tasting session which also provides a rundown of the process from bean to bar. At the end you'll understand not only the process, but why the best chocolate not only tastes better and makes you feel better but is also better for you.

Along the way you'll get to taste various parts of the process, from earthy graduals with alleged aphrodisiac qualities and fatty cocoa butter reputedly a wonderful natural moisturiser through unrefined cooking chocolate to the tempered final product.

Samples include a couple of origin chocolates the product of a single plantation, which you can compare and contrast and chase down with a drop of suitable wine.

Coco also puts on a taste test, comparing some of their own chocolates side-by-side with common brands. But the highlight is sampling the stores own zany at the end, which include a raspberry white and a rose milk.

The price of the tasting session is £12, most bars in the store go for around £3.50, a box of their deluxe chocolates almost £20 the dozen: but for the money you are getting a premium quality product made by locally by enthusiasts and using solely organic ingredients. And with their delightful nineteenth-century style packaging the chocolate makes the perfect gift for someone who can't come along.

If all this grabs you, you can attend a day course in chocolate making for £50: more info at www.cocochocolate.co.uk.
It's not often you get to taste and sample and learn about chocolate just yards from where it's made, but that's exactly what you get to do at Bruntsfield's Chocolatière Coco during their evening tasting sessions. It's a chance to really find out what a chocolate snob should look for; realise that much of the chocolate you've eaten in the past is probably just a cheap compromise and appreciate why the good stuff can be so expensive.

For four years the shop has been importing, designing and making its own chocolates and now it offers an informative forty minute tasting session which also provides a rundown of the process from bean to bar. At the end you'll understand not only the process, but why the best chocolate not only tastes better and makes you feel better but is also better for you.

Along the way you'll get to taste various parts of the process, from earthy graduals with alleged aphrodisiac qualities and fatty cocoa butter reputedly a wonderful natural moisturiser through unrefined cooking chocolate to the tempered final product.

Samples include a couple of origin chocolates the product of a single plantation, which you can compare and contrast and chase down with a drop of suitable wine.

Coco also puts on a taste test, comparing some of their own chocolates side-by-side with common brands. But the highlight is sampling the stores own zany at the end, which include a raspberry white and a rose milk.

The price of the tasting session is £12, most bars in the store go for around £3.50, a box of their deluxe chocolates almost £20 the dozen: but for the money you are getting a premium quality product made by locally by enthusiasts and using solely organic ingredients. And with their delightful nineteenth-century style packaging the chocolate makes the perfect gift for someone who can't come along.

If all this grabs you, you can attend a day course in chocolate making for £50: more info at www.cocochocolate.co.uk.